Porphobilinogen, Quantitative, 24-Hour Urine

Message
PROTECT FROM LIGHT
WRAP IN ALUMINUM FOIL TO PROTECT FROM LIGHT


Test Code
726


Alias/See Also
LAB00375


CPT Codes
84110

Includes
CPT code 81050 may be added at an additional charge for volume measurement


Preferred Specimen
2 mL from 24-hour urine containing sodium carbonate collected in a plastic leak-proof container - protect from light


Minimum Volume
1 mL


Instructions
24-hour urine, collection should be adjusted to a pH of 6-7 with 5g sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). Add the sodium carbonate at the start of the collection. The urine should be refrigerated and protected from light during collection.

Whenever possible, the specimen should be collected during an acute episode because porphobilingen (PBG) may decrease rapidly upon remission. PBG may also degrade when samples are exposed to UV light for extended periods, or are transported at ambient temperature. If an amber collection jug/urine cup is not available, the sample must be protected from light by completely wrapping the container in aluminum foil. Twenty-four hour specimens should be refrigerated and protected from UV light during collection. PBG is most stable at pH 6-7, but samples may be sent with or without preservative. All results should be interpreted in the context of clinical findings, relevant history, and other laboratory data.


Transport Container
Plastic urine container protected from light


Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days (pH 6-7)
Frozen: 30 days (pH 6-7)


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Not protected from light


Methodology
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule
Tues, thurs, sat


Report Available
3-6 days


Reference Range
≤17 YearsNot established
≥18 Years<0.34 mg/24 h


Clinical Significance
Urinary Porphobilinogen is the first step in the diagnosis of acute porphyrias such as acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). AIP is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by deficiency of porphobilinogen deaminase. An acute attack usually includes gatrointestinal disturbance and neuropsychiatric disorders.


Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.